Abundance of Asbestos Victims Creating Awareness and New Methods of Insulation
February 24th, 2009
Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was highly regarded as the ideal form of insulator and piping due to its innate resistance to fire and heat. Viewed as invaluable in industrial products, asbestos also gained popularity because of its reluctance to conduct electricity.
Although manufacturers of asbestos knew of its harmful qualities, they still continued shipping the product anyways. Many structures which were built before 1980 maintain the likelihood of containing asbestos laden materials. Individuals who work in the real estate industry, home renovation or in construction should be aware that asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers over a period of time can cause a severe lung-ailment known as mesothelioma, a form of cancer where treatment is limited and takes the lives of thousands every year. Many symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other disorders, making it especially difficult for physicians to diagnose. Mesothelioma treatment has varied affects on patients because once the disease has manifested, it is usually in the later stages of development. Research has indicated it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop. As with other diseases, cigarette smokers find themselves at a higher risk for developing asbestos disease.
Military Veterans at Risk
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stated that out of the 25 million living military veterans in the country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos during their service. Products containing asbestos were used by almost every branch of the United States Armed Forces for insulation in aircraft, vehicles and buildings. More than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s.
Veterans with asbestos-related disease unfortunately find themselves in a grave situation because they have no method to seek compensation for their illness. At the current time, mesothelioma is not recognized as a service-related medical ailment. Veterans can apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related illness and must provide proof that their exposure occurred at the time of their military service.
It is important to meet with health or environmental professionals to properly examine your new property. The United States continues to allow the use of asbestos and other harmful construction materials in the workplace. One of the highest incidences of mesothelioma has been among children who were exposed to asbestos when their parents brought it home on their clothing. This has caused a rapid amount of concern over asbestos-materials in schools and public facilities. If you have worked or believe you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to receive a medical checkup.
Miscellaneous Exposure Settings
Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a serious concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. Anyone who is performing renovation in homes built before 1980 must always wear protective gear. Normally, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires.
Asbestos exposure not only occurs through occupational or home exposure, but accidentally. The World Trade Center attacks of September 11th, 2001 set about 2,000 tons of asbestos in the air and resulted in 62 percent of those caught in the dust cloud coping with respiratory problems. Natural disasters are also potential exposure settings. Hurricane Katrina damaged thousands of older asbestos containing homes. Almost three years after the storm, states of the Gulf coast region are still struggling to restore buildings and prevent asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Removal and Inspection
Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors. The Environmental Protection Agency has further standards in asbestos removal. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. Hire an asbestos contractor by checking their references and comparing what they promise to do. These inspectors will assess the situation and oversee the work of all contractors involved and determine whether suspicious materials are present. Material will be removed in large pieced and immediately placed in safety disposal bags. Hazardous wastes must be removed in a quick process so it will not build up. Make sure to ask the companies to verify licensing and its employees. The equipment used must be able to protect family, workers and community from the release of airborne asbestos fibers.
Healthy Alternatives
Once the removal is complete, insulation alternatives should be given consideration, such as: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene. With an ever increasing amount of public awareness and education, there is still an estimated 3,000 work or home-based products that still contain asbestos. There no longer a need for a product at home or work that needs to contain asbestos. Manufacturers now make safe materials so innocent civilians will not be at risk for being exposed to health deteriorating materials.
In 2001, Israeli researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology began production of a thermal ceramic insulator becomes a safe and economical substitute for asbestos and other harmful substances. The foam is made of aluminum oxide, a high temperature ceramic noted for great insulating powers from its tiny air bubbles.
The United States Environmental Program states that use of recycled building materials such as cotton fiber insulation can reduce energy use by 25 to 35 percent. These kinds of figures have attracted those who were unaware of environmentally sustainable and safe construction practices. Not only will these asbestos alternatives reduce energy costs, they allow a lifestyle that promotes a clean, free of health damaging materials.
